Ripon, WI – A penalty kick by Ripon College was the difference as the host Red Hawks downed the Prairie Fire 2-1 on Saturday.

Ripon (3-3, 1-0 MWC) ended a string of two straight shutout losses while Knox (2-3, 0-1 MWC) dropped its second straight match in the Midwest Conference opener for both schools.

The Prairie Fire remain winless against the Red Hawks since a 3-2 triumph in double overtime at home on October 6, 2007.  Knox is also seeking its first MWC win since September of 2008.

Ripon had to work hard for its latest victory against the Fire.

The Red Hawks grabbed a 1-0 lead with a goal 4:55 into the match.  Knox drew even at at 1-1 on a score by first-year Nathaniel Logie (Trinidad and Tobago, Queens Royal College) that was assisted by sophomore Jacob Polay (Galesburg, IL, Galesburg) at 26:43.

The teams remained tied until Ripon connected on a penalty kick at the 60:23 mark.  Knox was unable to score again and Ripon hung on.

The Red Hawks held a 12-9 edge in total shots while Knox outshot the hosts 7-4 on goal.  First-year goalie Sean McGovern (Chicago, IL, Niles Notre Dame) had two saves for the Prairie Fire.

Knox plays its second conference match in two days on Sunday at Lawrence University.  The Vikings (3-3, 1-0) defeated Illinois College 2-1 at home on Saturday to open league play.  The win was the second straight for Lawrence.

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